The societal implications of using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity

Jadine Scragg; Dimitrios A Koutoukidis; Carsten Dirksen; Berit Lilienthal Heitmann; Susan A Jebb

doi:10.1016/j.medj.2025.100805

The societal implications of using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity

Med. 2025 Sep 12;6(9):100805. doi: 10.1016/j.medj.2025.100805. Epub 2025 Aug 19.

Authors

Jadine Scragg¹, Dimitrios A Koutoukidis², Carsten Dirksen³, Berit Lilienthal Heitmann⁴, Susan A Jebb²

Affiliations

¹ Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Electronic address: jadine.scragg@phc.ox.ac.uk.
² Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
³ Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
⁴ Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Unit for Diet and Health, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Part of the Copenhagen University Hospital, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark; The Boden Initiative, The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

PMID: 40834863
DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2025.100805

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are weight management medications, achieving up to 15%-25% weight loss in clinical trials. Given their effectiveness and potential for scalability, GLP1-RAs are a welcome treatment option for obesity. However, not everyone who could benefit may be able to afford or want to use GLP1-RAs. There are limited data on adherence beyond clinical trials or on how to optimize adjunct behavioral therapy. There is little support offered after GLP1-RA cessation, where weight regain is marked. Without increased accessibility and lower costs, the rollout of GLP1-RAs may widen inequalities. Currently, GLP1-RAs do not offer a sustainable solution to the public health pressures caused by obesity, where prevention remains crucial. To take the best advantage of GLP1-RAs, we need to deploy them in ways that are cost effective, sustainable for healthcare systems, and equitable for societies.

Keywords: GLP1RA; glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist; obesity; weight management.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anti-Obesity Agents* / economics
Anti-Obesity Agents* / therapeutic use
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists*
Humans
Obesity* / drug therapy
Weight Loss / drug effects

Substances

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
Anti-Obesity Agents